New Jersey officials warn immigrant communities about immigration scams, offer guidance to avoid fraud

NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Human Services and the Office of the Attorney General are partnering to raise awareness about immigration scams and help immigrant communities identify legitimate legal service providers.

The initiative, led by the Department of Human Services’ Office of New Americans and the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs, provides online guidance to help individuals recognize potential fraud, find qualified immigration assistance and report suspected scams.

State officials said the guidance is intended to protect people seeking immigration services from individuals who may exploit their circumstances by charging excessive fees, providing fraudulent legal advice or mishandling personal information.

“Having access to accurate and reliable information is essential to empowering immigrant communities to understand their rights, make informed choices, and advocate for themselves and their families. By knowing what to look for, recognizing red flags, and seeking services from qualified and authorized providers, individuals can better protect themselves from fraud and exploitation,” said Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport emphasized the importance of providing reliable information to immigrant families who may be vulnerable to fraudulent services.

“At a time when immigrant families are facing tremendous uncertainty, access to trustworthy information and qualified legal assistance is more important than ever,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. “No one should be allowed to exploit that uncertainty for financial gain. We want to help equip New Jersey’s immigrant communities to avoid fraud and turn to us if they believe they have been victimized.”

According to state officials, only attorneys and federally authorized accredited representatives are permitted to prepare immigration-related legal documents, provide legal advice or represent individuals in legal proceedings. Accredited representatives must have appropriate training and authorization from the federal government to assist with immigration cases.

Individuals can verify whether a representative or organization is accredited through the U.S. Department of Justice’s roster of recognized organizations and accredited representatives.

Officials also warned about individuals advertising themselves as immigration consultants or notarios, who may falsely claim to have the qualifications necessary to provide legal services.

In many Spanish-speaking countries, a Notario Público is a trained and licensed legal professional. In the United States, however, a notary public generally does not have the same legal authority as an attorney or authorized immigration representative. State officials said people advertising notario services in the United States may not be licensed or authorized to provide immigration advice.

Unscrupulous individuals may use those titles, or falsely identify themselves as attorneys, to target immigrants with limited English proficiency or others seeking assistance with immigration matters.

“There is nothing more reprehensible than taking advantage of people who are in dire need of help. Scammers prey on people’s desperation and exploit their vulnerability, and the results can be devastating. This information can help individuals recognize potential scams and proceed with caution when seeking legal services for these often complex and sensitive matters,” said Deputy Commissioner for Social Services Michael J. Wilson.

The consequences of immigration fraud can extend beyond financial losses. State officials warned that victims may face identity theft, financial fraud, immigration detention or deportation if their cases are mishandled or fraudulent documents are submitted.

“Immigration fraud can have devastating consequences, and no one should be afraid to come forward when they believe they’ve been deceived or exploited,” said Christopher Peterson, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Our doors are open to every New Jersey consumer, and we will take all allegations of fraud seriously.”

Officials urged individuals to be cautious when communicating with immigration service providers through email or unfamiliar websites. They noted that official U.S. government websites end in .gov and that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services immigration forms are free.

Government agencies will never demand payment through cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, text messages or social media, according to the state’s guidance. Officials said requests for payment through those methods should be treated as potential warning signs of fraud.

Office of New Americans Executive Director Johanna Calle said the guidance is intended to help people avoid placing their immigration cases and financial security in the hands of fraudulent service providers.

“It is all too common to hear stories of people who have lost money or put their immigration status at risk because they placed their trust in people who had no intention of helping them. This resource can help protect people who are already in a vulnerable position from putting their cases, and their livelihoods in this country, in the hands of the wrong people,” Calle said.

Steps to avoid immigration scams

State officials recommend several precautions when seeking immigration assistance:

• Obtain referrals from trusted individuals for legal service providers with established records of trustworthy and effective service.
• Request a written agreement clearly explaining the services being provided and the associated fees.
• Obtain receipts for all payments and keep copies of every document signed.
• Never sign blank forms or documents that are not fully understood.
• Keep original documents and provide copies whenever possible.

The Department of Human Services and the Attorney General’s Office said individuals who believe they have been targeted by an immigration scam can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

The division accepts complaints regardless of a person’s citizenship or immigration status, and its employees do not ask complainants about their citizenship or immigration status.

Complaints can be submitted through the Division of Consumer Affairs’ online complaint portal.

Additional information about recognizing immigration scams, finding legitimate legal assistance and protecting immigration cases is available through the New Jersey Office of New Americans.